Onakai National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland Onakai

Onakai National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland Onakai Ireland's largest all style national karate organisation. Established in 1978. WELCOME TO O.N.A.K.A.I. Since its establishment O.N.A.K.A.I. In 2002 O.N.A.K.A.I.

Only Irish karate body recognised by the European and World Karate Federations and the International Olympic Committee. Irelands largest all style national karate organisation, was established in 1978 by the coming together of the three main styles then practiced in Ireland, Shotokan, Wado and Kenpo, for the principal purpose of producing a fully representational national squad for international competition and also to coordinate, regulate and promote all karate activities within the 32 counties of Ireland. A constitution was drafted and approved which protected the interests of all Irish karate practitioners, and which provided for the development of the highest standards in the sport and traditional art of karate. has been the only Irish karate body to be recognised by the European Karate Federation, and the World Karate Federation (Which is a member of the International Olympic Council). EKF and WKF are the largest and longest established European and World all style Karate organisations and host the highest level of Karate competitions in the world. was granted full recognition by the Irish Sports Council as the National Governing Body (NGB) for Karate in Ireland.

ONAKAI is delighted to announce that Michael Lecaplain has agreed to join us as our new Technical Director of Coaching.M...
23/09/2026

ONAKAI is delighted to announce that Michael Lecaplain has agreed to join us as our new Technical Director of Coaching.

Michael will work closely alongside our Kumite National Coaches, supporting the development of our athletes and helping guide the preparation and selection of the National Team.

With a wealth of experience in WKF coaching, Michael brings valuable knowledge and expertise to the role.

We hope you will all join us in giving Michael a warm Irish welcome as he settles into his new role.

An exciting new chapter for Irish karate.

The National Kata Championships for U14 will take place on Sunday the 4th of October.Registration closes on Sunday the 2...
21/09/2026

The National Kata Championships for U14 will take place on Sunday the 4th of October.

Registration closes on Sunday the 27th of September.

Register Online Now.

20/09/2026

🎥 Irish Open 2026 — what a weekend! 🇮🇪🥋

Incredible karate. Big moments. Great atmosphere.

A huge thank you to every athlete, coach, official, volunteer, supporter and everyone behind the scenes who made it all happen.

Here’s the Irish Open 2026 in highlights. 🔥

Thank you for being part of it — we’ll see you next time! 🇮🇪🥋

A great day of training today in Dublin for our National Junior & Senior Kata Squad.The focus throughout the session was...
20/09/2026

A great day of training today in Dublin for our National Junior & Senior Kata Squad.
The focus throughout the session was technique, stability, speed and power, with all athletes working hard to develop and improve their performance.
Well done to everyone who trained and gave their best effort.
A special thanks to our three coaches Marie, Francisco and Anastasia who worked with all the athletes and gave valuable guidance and feedback throughout.
It was also great to have our World Championship representatives training with the squad today, including Calvin, Jack and Mariam as preparations continue for the upcoming championships.
Well done to everyone involved and thank you to all who contributed to another successful training session.

Looking back at some of the incredible action from the Irish Open 2026! 🥋🇮🇪So many moments of skill, determination and c...
17/09/2026

Looking back at some of the incredible action from the Irish Open 2026! 🥋🇮🇪

So many moments of skill, determination and celebration that made it an unforgettable weekend.

📸 Thanks to for capturing it all!
Sport Ireland

Senior & Junior National Kata Squad trainingSunday 20th Sep.Venue: Kaizen DublinTime: 12-2pmOpen to all Squad members bo...
15/09/2026

Senior & Junior National Kata Squad training
Sunday 20th Sep.
Venue: Kaizen Dublin
Time: 12-2pm
Open to all Squad members both Junior & Senior. Open to all athletes who wish to try out for National Kata Squads
Senior National Coach
Marie Dolphin
Junior National Coach
Francisco Astudillo

These training sessions are open to athletes who are interested in competing at international level. They are also mandatory for selection if you're looking to compete at WKF and EKF level. 🌍

Register on spond

Irish Karate Open 2026. Day one podium fun - Who took the best selfie?
15/09/2026

Irish Karate Open 2026. Day one podium fun - Who took the best selfie?

Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Referee Team!A massive thank you to the outstanding team of WKF, international and nati...
14/09/2026

Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Referee Team!

A massive thank you to the outstanding team of WKF, international and national referees who officiated at this year’s Irish Karate Open.

Your professionalism, fairness and dedication on the tatamis played a huge part in making the weekend such a success.

Special thanks to our Director of Refereeing in Ireland, Billy Brennan, National Head Referee Noel Kavanagh, Referee Secretary Jackie Gray, all of our WKF referees and everyone involved in supporting the referee team.

A very special thank you to our Chief Referee this weekend, Mr Kjell Gunnar Jacobsen, who travelled all the way from Norway to lead the refereeing team.

We truly appreciate the time, effort and expertise each of you brings to karate. Your commitment helps ensure our athletes have the highest standard of officiating and that the competition runs smoothly across every tatami.

Thank you all for your incredible work and dedication to the Irish Karate Open!

A huge thank you to Martin Clynch, ONAKAI Secretary, and his brother Conor Clynch for the outstanding amount of work the...
14/09/2026

A huge thank you to Martin Clynch, ONAKAI Secretary, and his brother Conor Clynch for the outstanding amount of work they put into this year’s Irish Open — both in the lead-up to the event and throughout the entire weekend.

Their dedication, organisation and tireless commitment behind the scenes played a huge part in making the Irish Open 2026 such a success. So much of what happens at an event like this goes unseen, but the work, time and effort you both put in does not go unnoticed.

Thank you, Martin and Conor! 👏

And a huge thank you also to ONAKAI President Chris Kelly for his continued leadership, commitment and support in helping make the Irish Open what it is today.

We are incredibly grateful to you all.

What an incredible weekend at the Irish Open 2026! 🇮🇪A huge thank you to our amazing volunteer team who gave their time,...
14/09/2026

What an incredible weekend at the Irish Open 2026! 🇮🇪

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteer team who gave their time, energy and commitment throughout the weekend to help make the event such a success.

From arena set-up and registration to scorekeeping, tatami support, stewarding and everything in between — so much of what happens at the Irish Open is made possible by our volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes.

We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for everything you did to make Irish Open 2026 a weekend to remember. 👏

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Dublin

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